*
banner

Banding couple call for banding help with mining museum

A small mining museum run by a former CWS (Manchester) bandsman and his wife are looking for help to celebrate the connection between the industry and brass bands.

Museum
  Carole Johnson polishes an old miner's lamp at the Woodend Mining Museum

Photographer Lorne Campbell continues to make sure that the brass band movement is kept in the mind's eye of the national press with his fantastic images once again making it to the pages of leading regional and national publications.

Harry and Carole Johnson (above) own and run Woodend Mining Museum near Burnley in Lancashire.

Bandsman

Harry (74), started playing cornet with the famous Irwell Springs Band and was tutored by Clifton Jones, who played for Bickershaw Colliery. In May 1964 he joined CWS (Manchester) Band and played on the front row under Alex Mortimer for four years before leaving to play in local bands.

Although his work as a coach driver meant he gave up full time banding in 1980, he still plays the cornet at his home today.

When the couple bought some additional land next to their small farm they found that the capped shaft of the former Woodend Colliery was on their land. It closed in 1959.

When the couple bought some additional land next to their small farm they found that the capped shaft of the former Woodend Colliery was on their land. It closed in 19594BR

Memorabilia help

Carole has since opened a small museum and is appealing to any local colliery bands to see if they would donate any memorabilia on loan or photocopies of photographs which can be displayed to celebrate the mining heritage of the area.

Her e-mail address is carole3149@outlook.com

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Gray

Tributes for Gray as conductor announces Eccles departure

March 31 • Thanks and best wishes as 16 year partnership between Mareika Gray and Eccles Borough comes to an end.


Brass Band Week

Banding campaigns return this summer

March 31 • Brass Band Week and Proms in the Park return this Summer — so make sure you reach out and connect with your local communities.


gALASHILS

Report & Results: 2026 SBBA Solo & Ensemble Championships

March 31 • There was a fantastic day of competitive solo and ensemble action to enjoy at Bellshill Salvation Army Centre.


BBW

March Edition of Brass Band World magazine out now

March 31 • The latest edition of the leading brass band magazine is now out — packed with interviews, articles, reviews and news...


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Thornton Cleveleys Band

March 31 • MD VACANCY. Are you the missing piece to our FULL BAND?. We are a NW 3rd section band looking for our new MD. We are based just outside of Blackpool close to the M55 motorway. Mon+Thurs rehearsals.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd